Examining the Role of GLP-1 in Nicotine Addiction Using Zebrafish Models
Location
SU-103
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Recent insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction have implicated Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) as a modulator of addictive behaviors, suggesting its potential role in addressing addiction as a neurobiological disease. GLP-1, known for its anorexigenic effects, is also found to influence addiction pathways within the brain, particularly impacting regions associated with reward processing. This study aims to investigate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on addiction behaviors using conditioned place preference (CPP) in zebrafish as a model organism, a species whose neurobiological processes are transparent and comparable to humans. To induce addiction, we employ a novel method where a cohort of adult zebrafish (n=20) is exposed to a controlled environment where red LED lights signal the administration of 5μM nicotine directly into the water, conditioning the fish to associate the red light with nicotine exposure over a period of 10 days. Following this conditioning phase, we introduce a 100μM dose of GLP-1 agonist without altering the environmental cues, specifically the red LED light, to maintain the association but test the influence of GLP-1RA on the conditioned response. The primary behavioral endpoint of this study is the measurement of the distance zebrafish swim towards the nicotine administration tube both before and after GLP-1RA treatment, serving as a direct observational measure of addictive behavior modification. This methodological approach not only aligns with our objective to elucidate the role of GLP-1RAs in modulating addiction behavior but also allows us to assess the potential of GLP-1-based treatments in redefining addiction as a treatable neurobiological disease. By exploring the action of GLP-1 and its agonists in the zebrafish model, this study seeks to contribute to the broader understanding of addiction mechanisms and support the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Faculty Sponsor
Shannon Saszik
Examining the Role of GLP-1 in Nicotine Addiction Using Zebrafish Models
SU-103
Recent insights into the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction have implicated Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) as a modulator of addictive behaviors, suggesting its potential role in addressing addiction as a neurobiological disease. GLP-1, known for its anorexigenic effects, is also found to influence addiction pathways within the brain, particularly impacting regions associated with reward processing. This study aims to investigate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on addiction behaviors using conditioned place preference (CPP) in zebrafish as a model organism, a species whose neurobiological processes are transparent and comparable to humans. To induce addiction, we employ a novel method where a cohort of adult zebrafish (n=20) is exposed to a controlled environment where red LED lights signal the administration of 5μM nicotine directly into the water, conditioning the fish to associate the red light with nicotine exposure over a period of 10 days. Following this conditioning phase, we introduce a 100μM dose of GLP-1 agonist without altering the environmental cues, specifically the red LED light, to maintain the association but test the influence of GLP-1RA on the conditioned response. The primary behavioral endpoint of this study is the measurement of the distance zebrafish swim towards the nicotine administration tube both before and after GLP-1RA treatment, serving as a direct observational measure of addictive behavior modification. This methodological approach not only aligns with our objective to elucidate the role of GLP-1RAs in modulating addiction behavior but also allows us to assess the potential of GLP-1-based treatments in redefining addiction as a treatable neurobiological disease. By exploring the action of GLP-1 and its agonists in the zebrafish model, this study seeks to contribute to the broader understanding of addiction mechanisms and support the development of novel therapeutic approaches.